Think You're Good? Bet #ImBetter

New interactive campaign raises awareness for the warning signs of problem gambling

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Nov 11, 2014, 12:47 ET

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Nov. 11, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- What do melon smashing and turtle staring have to do with problem gambling? Ohio For Responsible Gambling, an initiative aimed at promoting responsible gambling in Ohio, today launches the newest iteration of its popular "I Lost a Bet" campaign. This year's campaign features a young man who's absolutely sure he's going to win every bet he makes, but he ends up losing every time.

I Lost a Bet teaser including two :30 TV spots

The heart of the campaign is ilostabet.org, an interactive website where users can engage with the hero as he takes on a series of humorous challenges. Every few weeks, he will issue a personal challenge to fans on the I Lost A Bet Facebook page. Users can accept the challenge by submitting a video of themselves on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or Vine using the hashtag #ImBetter.

The I Lost A Bet campaign, which launched in January 2014, is at its core, about prevention. Most at-risk gamblers start in their early twenties or even younger, betting with friends. The initiative is designed to remind them that some bets are funny, and some aren't – and to know the difference.

"Our humorous approach to bring attention to the behaviors that can signal problem gambling has proven to effectively reach this young target that is flooded with finger-wagging PSAs," said Sandy Lesko-Mounts, Deputy Director of Marketing Communications at the Ohio Lottery Commission. "And this is important, because young people, men in particular, either don't realize they're at risk or don't care. We need to engage them with entertainment to deliver the serious message in such a way that they would absorb it."

Visit ilostabet.org to learn more about responsible gambling and the warning signs of problem gambling. The website also features tips for talking to someone you suspect has a gambling problem and provides confidential resources to seek additional help.

About Ohio For Responsible Gambling
Ohio For Responsible Gambling is an initiative aimed at promoting responsible gambling in Ohio. Four State Agencies in Ohio are working together in this effort: The Ohio Lottery Commission (OLC), the Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC), the Ohio State Racing Commission (OSRC), and The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS). OhioMHAS serves as the resource partner for the new initiative and the lead agency responsible for prevention and treatment of problem gambling.

Video - http://origin-qps.onstreammedia.com/origin/multivu_archive/PRNA/ENR/157921-I_Lost_a_Bet_Video.mp4

SOURCE Ohio For Responsible Gambling